Welcome to Willowdale – Chester County, PA’s Newest Wedding & Event Venue is Now Open

Author
Jennifer Beebe
Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Business Development

Chester County Welcomes Willowdale!

There is something special about seeing a new wedding and event venue come to life, especially when it offers a beautiful setting for life’s unforgettable memories. After nearly a decade of dreaming and planning, Willowdale is officially open in Kennett Square.

Willowdale celebrated its grand opening on September 30^th, 2026, welcoming guests, project partners, industry professionals, and friends to begin this exciting new chapter.

A Celebration Worth Toasting To

From the moment guests arrived, there was a buzz of excitement. As they made their way toward the Kitchen Garden, they were greeted with live music from EBE Talent, and for many, a welcome from Jeff Miller, the man behind Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group, himself. It was a chance to finally take in Willowdale as a whole and see what had been taking shape over the past year.

Guests spent cocktail hour exploring the property, saying hello to our newest resident mini highland cows, Willow and Dale, and making their way through the Silo Courtyard and Millstone Lounge. Roving caviar, passed bites, a raw bar and martini lounge kept everyone well fed along the way, while Julia Ranson Mooney captured the celebration on canvas right before their eyes.

As cocktail hour came to a close, guests gathered at the vestibule to recognize the many people whose work made the evening possible. Michael and Katherine Bucklin and members of the JAM Hospitality Group team were joined by Willowdale’s project partners, including Archer & Buchanan Architecture, B&D Builders, Cotswold Gardens, Horizon Farm Credit, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects and Michelle L. Harris Designs.

Jennifer Beebe, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Business Development at JAM Hospitality Group, also thanked the event partners who helped make the Grand Opening such a special night: Bourbon Eventure, Buttercup Florals, EBE Talent, Empire Parking Solutions, Extract and Box, Jana Bannan Photography, Julia Ranson Mooney, Maiden September, Modern Luxury and Valley Creek Productions.

With the people behind both Willowdale and the evening gathered together, it was finally time to cut the ribbon and open the doors to the loft.

Guests walked through the doors, where two custom murals by Kelly McConnell Cox greeted them as entertainment from EBE Talent brought the energy to the Loft. Overhead, custom willow branch chandeliers by Lowcountry Originals illuminated the room as candlelight danced across custom farm tables from Furniture From the Barn. Sample arrangements from our in-house florist, Buttercup, completed the tables, giving couples a glimpse of what they could imagine for their own celebrations.

There was plenty to taste and experience, too. Bourbon Eventure poured bourbon tastings while Maiden September etched custom glassware for guests to take home. JAM’s culinary team welcomed guests to chef-manned stations featuring Tomahawk Carving, Roasted Garden and the Farrotto Trio, with Patisserie Vienna desserts passed throughout the evening.

Before the night came to an end, guests left with one last taste of Willowdale: little jars of honey made by our very own Willowdale bees. It was a sweet way to send everyone home.

Cheers to What’s Ahead!

While the Grand Opening was a celebration of Willowdale itself, it also offered a glimpse into the celebrations that will take place here for years to come. After nearly a decade of conversations, planning and believing in what this property could become, finally seeing Willowdale full of people was something we will always cherish.

This space has always been imagined for the community first and foremost. Willowdale now has the chance to become part of so many meaningful moments, from wedding days and milestone celebrations to gatherings that bring people together right here in Kennett Square.

The Grand Opening may have been one of the first big celebrations at Willowdale, but it certainly will not be the last. We can’t wait to see the memories made, traditions started and stories that become part of Willowdale for many years to come.

The night was captured beautifully by Jana Bannan Photography, whose photos you’ll see throughout this post, and Valley Creek Productions, who brought the celebration to film. Be sure to watch the Grand Opening video below for another look at the night!